Combining science, philosophy and natural history with a voracious curosity about how the universe works, Logan takes us on a wonderful journey of discovery as charming as it is fascinating. He has written a unique and thoughtful history of the soil that sustains us, as well as a touching memoir of his own personal connection to it.

Product Description

From Publishers Weekly

In these brief, elegant essays, the author raises the concept of dirt to new levels. Logan, a monthly columnist for the New York Times, looks at soil formation and development. His topics range from quarries and the foundations of cathedrals to graveyards and earthworms, from husbandry in ancient Rome to composting in Florida. Logan pays tribute to the dung beetle as a symbol of renewal; he notes that dirt is the source of many drugs that work against infectious diseases (penicillin, streptomycin). He discusses the many forms of clay and the agricultural practices of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and the Iroquois. Dirt is a natural history of the soil and our connection with it. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Logan displays a precision of language that would be envied by any poet." The Independent"
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.

Most helpful customer reviews

I feel in love with this book. Bought it as a gift and had much trouble giving it up. What a beautiful testimony to the earthly process of life and death in which we all participate. Logan's cross-disciplinary commentary was heartfelt and informative. I have told everyone I know to read it. It is magnificent.

Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth by William Bryant Logan is an enlightening and heartening read for anyone who studies the earth in science or daily living. Although a few of the factoids are not quite correct (watch that logarithmic scale!), this book is full of fascinating science of the soil, surrounded by heartfelt prose. Logan makes earth-centered philosophy accessible to anyone who has ever had a gut feeling that the land is good. The religion of the soil he presents is unobtrusive, yet all-pervading. Read it and feel good.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)

Amazon.com:
32 reviews

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful

Liked it so much it's my #1 Christmas gift to others.Dec 8 1997

By
A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Paperback

Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth by William Bryant Logan is an enlightening and heartening read for anyone who studies the earth in science or daily living. Although a few of the factoids are not quite correct (watch that logarithmic scale!), this book is full of fascinating science of the soil, surrounded by heartfelt prose. Logan makes earth-centered philosophy accessible to anyone who has ever had a gut feeling that the land is good. The religion of the soil he presents is unobtrusive, yet all-pervading. Read it and feel good.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful

Exciting and Provocative!Aug. 25 2005

By
Dorothy R.
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

A galaxy of stars! Dirt is unique, unlike any other book I've read. (Bill Logan tends to write books like that -- his new one, Oak: The Frame of Civilization, is also unlike anything I've read, including Dirt.) The essay format works well. Logan's writing is cogent, witty, at times poignant; his imagination is fantastic. Rousing and satisfying my curiosity, he asks intriguing questions, and in seeking answers follows paths I would not have thought of but am glad to be led down by such a brilliant, quirky, earthy guide. Technicalities of soil science and geology are illuminated by personal experience and reflection on spirituality, childhood dreams Ilike digging to China), and encounters with masters of human achievement. This book may be ten years old but it's still exciting and provocative. I'm pleased to hear it is to be the subject of a documentary film; I hope that will lead to a reprint of this book, which is long overdue.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful

Technical terminology is seemingly hidden within the prose.Oct. 13 1997

Fantastic book with no reference? Disappointed just for this!Nov. 11 2011

By
Aerial-B
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Paperback
Verified Purchase

I have been reading 'Dirt' for a few weeks now. I have already finished reading once and started all over again. The book is amazing. I loved it. Language, presentation, information are all valuable. HOWEVER, there are no references, no bibliography of the book. This is extremely disappointing for me. 'No reference' downgraded the value of the book, and the science in it as well. Sad!

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful

Inspires passion for regeneration through soil.Dec 16 1997

By
Joan M. Stevens
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Paperback

I feel in love with this book. Bought it as a gift and had much trouble giving it up. What a beautiful testimony to the earthly process of life and death in which we all participate. Logan's cross-disciplinary commentary was heartfelt and informative. I have told everyone I know to read it. It is magnificent.